Page:Twelve men of Bengal in the nineteenth century (1910).djvu/231

Rh service to the state and which in so doing had acquired considerable wealth and position.

Of the early years of the Nawab but little is recorded. He was brought up under the immediate supervision of his grandfather Syed Abdullah, and so well did he profit by the old man's teaching that at the early age of eighteen he was placed in charge of the family property in Tirhoot. Thrown largely upon his own resources there, he quickly proved himself worthy of the trust that had been placed in him. Turning a deaf ear to all the temptations of youth he set himself diligently to master business methods and all the work of an extensive Zeminadri with such success that he had the satisfaction of seeing the property enormously increase in value under his personal supervision and management. From the first he was distinguished by his remarkable tact and winning manners, and it was not long before he began to take an active interest in public affairs beyond the limits of his own Zemindari. Although unable to speak English, he early in life won the esteem of European officials, who recognised in him one of the best types of the Muhammadan gentleman of the old school. While remaining strictly orthodox he was eager to accept western ideas where they tended to the greater well-being and prosperity of his countrymen. Of western methods in medical science and hygiene he was quick to see the advantage. The old saying that